when not using a part around a bearing, we generally use a cam follower whose part number starts with "CF". Ball bearings have thin cage, while cam followers have a thick external cage that doesn't deform when pushed with a line contact.
That was really clever drilling through the back of the part to remove the web from the slot for the bearing I'll need to keep that in mind. I need to make a steady rest for my big lathe 20.5in swing, I can't find a factory one to save my life!
Nice work and good video 👍😀. But in many jobs brass "fingers " is better than using bearings. In my work I used to do a lot of hydraulic cilinders and push rods. And when turning push rods with chrome finish it was best to use brass instead of bearings. Bearings always left marks on the chrome surface 😢. But bearings work better on mild steel with rough surfaces. 2 years ago a machinist on the facebook group " RU-vid machinists " explained the how and why when you should use brass or bearings.😀
It's always really nice to see a new video from you Alex. Who of us haven't trusted a supplier to send us the correct parts and then tried to use them without checking them?
I really love the content and quality of your videos! This one is no exception. Although I'm sure the addition of ball bearings will meet your needs, in a pinch, some suggest using a slip of oil-lubricated "brown paper bag" between plain bronze "support arms" and fragile/soft work to prevent marring. The rigidity of the plain bearing is preserved and surface finishes aren't compromised. Here is a short example of the technique: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rzpKPU08RIc.html, fast forward to 12:45. Just a thought. F.C.
Thanks for sharing your work and knowledge, I enjoy watching your videos and learn from them a lot, you're at the top of my list with Robin and Stefan. Much appreciated. I was wondering what kind of lube (white grease?) did you use? Thanks again.
I have Maximat 11 lathe. When I was at work, the lathe also had the miling head. I found that the column for this head lacked the rigidity required for milling even very small parts. Is your milling head more rigid on Maximat 13? On the D1-4 spindle plate, I see what looks like an oil sight-glass on the moving part. This would not permit mounting chucks. What are these for? Modification I made on my lathe was to add a detent to the right gear-shift lever to permit putting the gearbox in neutral, to make manual turning of the spindle easier & for another layer of safety when changing chucks.
Alex, If you ever find a spare steady rest for sale for a V13, please let me know. I have been searching forever. They are impossible to find in North America (Canada)
